The theme of the International Day of Forests in 2021 is "Forest restoration". But... why do we need it? What does restoration actually mean?

Regardless of which European country, region or corner you live in, you have certainly noticed that something is happening in our forests. Forests are facing prolonged drought and high temperatures, and familiar tree species no longer feel fully at home in these conditions. This also means that some trees shed their leaves earlier, and sometimes, in the spring, they simply do not bud; the tree has died. Weakened trees are easy prey for pests, such as bark beetles. It is likely that you have seen extensive windthrow or smoke rising above a forest where there has been no rain for a long time...